The Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route
The Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route – another way to explore Ariège
Learn about your inner self and stretch yourself to the limit by walking along the ‘Chemins de Compostelle’ routes, alone or with a group ! Take a trip back in time following paths taken by pilgrims since the Middle Ages. There are so many different walks along the ‘Chemins de Compostelle’ and each one is an opportunity to discover beautiful scenery and meet new people !
One of the paths is the GR78 linking the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, a path with plenty of character also known as the Chemin du Piémont Pyrénéen. It crosses the regions of Corbières, Plantaurel, Couserans, Comminges and Bigorre, joining up with the Via Tolosana at Oloron-Sainte-Marie. The Piémont Pyrénéen is a great way to discover the rich heritage of the Pyrenees while crossing the beautiful mountain landscapes from Carcassonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port…
For over a thousand years, the ‘Chemins de St-Jacques’ have been followed by numerous pilgrims and walkers from many cultures and peoples on their way to the tomb of Saint James the Apostle in Galicia, northern Spain. The paths played a part in laying the foundations for the construction of Europe and admirably illustrate our common roots through the vast number of heritage edifices which characterise them. The paths provide the opportunity for meeting and sharing with others, a universal example of the values of solidarity and tolerance. It is for this reason that they were awarded the status of Grand European Cultural Route and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mirepoix to Saint-Bertrand-de-Cominges
In Ariège, the pilgrim route covers 140km from Mirepoix to Col du Portet d'Aspet via Pamiers, Le Mas d'Azil, Saint-Lizier and Castillon-en-Couserans in the direction of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges. It is also part of the GR78 from Mirepoix to Lourdes. The 140km can be done in stages of about 20km.
One of the attractions along the Chemin de St Jacques is the village of Saint-Lizier, one of the Grands Sites of the Midi-Pyrénées region. The main places of interest in Saint-Lizier, which lies on the Piémont Pyrénéen path, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site « Chemins de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle en France ». The Palais des Evêques (Bishop’s Palace) dominates Saint-Lizier and offers magnificent views of the Pyrenees. Surrounded by gardens and some remains of its Gallo-Roman walls, the Palace today houses the Musée Départemental de l’Ariège, a museum which also occupies the neighbouring Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Sède and provides an insight into 2,000 years of the rich past of Ariège and the Couserans area ! In addition, don’t forget to visit the 18th century Pharmacy in the old Hôtel Dieu hospital, one of the finest pharmacies in France. China pots, bottles and a case of military surgical instruments are displayed in beautiful golden wooden cabinets. You never know, you may learn the secret recipes for bygone miracle cures like ‘long-life oil’ or ‘Four thieves vinegar’ !
Near the Chemins de St Jacques
Have a gourmet stopover at « Carré de l’Ange » a restaurant in the historic surroundings of the old stables in the Bishop’s Palace at Saint-Lizier. Carré de l’Ange gives pride of place to a display of local arts and crafts in its magnificent vaulted cellars and serves top-quality, often regional, produce such as pan-fried foie gras from Plantaurel or local lamb slow-cooked for 7 hours. And as for its gorgeous terrace overlooking the village of Saint Lizier…
Useful information :
Information and leaflets available from « Le Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle du Piémont en Ariège-Pyrénées », ring 05 61 96 77 77."